Next big hardware Kickstarter is the GameStick, think OUYA on a USB flash drive

Since I haunt Kickstarter looking for the next big gaming project, I saw GameStick in its early hours and decided not to post about it. It's essentially a USB flash drive with a small controller that runs Android, planned to allow access to the full Android gaming library. It's a flash stick OUYA, and consider that the hype around the OUYA evolved into a sort of controversy, I didn't want to be the one to contribute to it.

Every other media outlet out there did, however, and now it's not just Kickstarter project but also a product scheduled for release. The GameStick has surpassed its $100,000 goal, currently standing at $150,000 with 27 days left. $79 will net you a GameStick of your own,when the product is finally released. Of course, there are other tiers of investment as well if the concept sounds particularly aluring to you.

A library of Android games easily set up to play on a large screen TV is certainly an exciting idea, or at least it would be if I played more mobile games. That makes me wonder just who are the folk investing in these small devices? Are the GameStick investors the same folk who invested in the OUYA, and are they disappointed they didn't wait now that the GameStick is here?

The GameStick is coming, with a planned release window in April. That seems a bit early, but perhaps they're farther along in the manufacturing process than is readily apparent. The team is working with developers to get great Android games on the device, targeting specific games they think would transition well to the big screen. It's good to be an Android developer right now, I'd say.

re: Next big hardware Kickstarter is the GameStick, think OUYA on a USB flash drive

Hmm, kinda dissapointed really and I see why you thought hot potato on this one. I mean aren't there already controllers being made/made to play your mobile games? Pretty sure I saw an ad for it on here. Considering alot of people already own smartphones and all. This seems like another The War Z attempt to me.

re: Next big hardware Kickstarter is the GameStick, think OUYA on a USB flash drive

This might be neat for meatier games like PvZ or anything that uses virtual controls, especially for going on trips and people with an old PC/weak laptop. Can't say I'd have a use for it personally, I don't play many mobile games and I have a kindle fire anyway so I can use Amazon's "buy once, play anywhere" setup.

Whats funny is seeing this reminded me I wanted to look into those tablet gamepads.